Cancer Warning Signs You Should Watch Out For

Advertisement

Cancer is probably one of the most dreaded diseases anyone could have. It’s like having a death sentence. But like any other diseases, the key is early detection and catching it early on can save your life. Most women get their regular mammograms and pap smears, but aside from that, there are other cancer signs and symptoms that You should be aware of. It is also important to know your body, if not the most important. Any changes even a simple and harmless one can be crucial in identifying some cancers. We’re not fear-mongering or inflicting paranoia, health education is just as important as regular check-ups. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

10. Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Blood in the poop or urine is never normal. Plus alternating diarrhea and constipation that lasts for more than 4 weeks can be a sign of colorectal cancer. So check your toilet before flushing it down.

9. Abnormal Bleeding

Aside from being cut or scraped, there shouldn’t be any blood oozing anywhere. Blood in the stool, urine, or a cut that doesn’t heal is a sign that something is not right. A bloody or blood-tinged discharge is also abnormal if it’s not your period. If there is bleeding anywhere that doesn’t seem right, then it’s time to see a doctor.

8. Breast Changes

It’s a well-known fact that having a lump could possibly (not always) be cancer but we shouldn’t only watch out for lumps. But other changes such as redness, dimpling, swelling, abnormal discharges and other breast abnormalities should also be watched out for. These could be early warning signs. So listen to your body.

7. Sudden Weight Loss

If you suddenly lost weight without even trying it can be a sign of cancer. It is common to lose weight when you have cancer. It’s frequently one of the first signs of the disease. Almost half the people with cancer lose weight by the time they get diagnosed.

6. Vertical Stripes Along The Nails

It’s easy to neglect our fingernails. But it can also give signs and symptoms regarding our health condition. Having vertical stripes along the nails is a warning sign for something serious. It’s easy to brush off as it has no pain at all but it can actually indicate a form of skin cancer that affects only the nail bed, known as “Subungal Melanoma”. The medical term for this condition is actually “longitudinal melanonychia”.

5. Bloating

It’s easy to brush off bloating as a simple case of indigestion, PMS symptom, gas or just overeating. But frequently recurring bloating could tell otherwise. Frequent bloating is one sign of ovarian cancer, which is sometimes called the “silent killer” because of its indistinguishable cancer symptoms.

4. Sores That Do Not Heal

Most skin cancers start with small or bleeding sores or sores that do not heal. Or a sore in the mouth that’s been lingering for a while could be a sign of oral cancer. This shouldn’t be taken for granted, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue could be a symptom of any illness. Or it could easily be dismissed as stress. But if you are constantly tired even after getting a good amount of rest and healthy diet then you should immediately see a medical professional.

2. Skin Changes

We’ve all been told to regularly check our moles and watch for any changes in shape, color, size, or thickness. New moles should also be watched for. Aside from that, any peeling, scaling, or color changes can be an early sign of skin cancer.

1. Pain

Bone cancer often hurt from the beginning. Some brain tumors can cause headaches and sometimes gets worse as time goes by. Pain and pressure in the pelvic area can also be linked to endometrial cancer. Pain can also be a late sign of cancer, so it’s good to see a doctor if you don’t know why you have it or it doesn’t go away.

In cancer, early detection is key in order for prompt treatment to be given. These 10 signs are just some of the few signs and symptoms that can suggest cancer. If you feel any of these, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer. It only provides clues for you and your doctor so that it can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Treatment works best when cancer is still small and hasn’t spread. Early treatment gives it a better shot at curing cancer.